The Ninth Mandala: Praises to the gods through the Intermediary of Soma

The Rig Veda is one of the oldest texts of humanity. It is composed of ten mandalas (or books), each containing hymns dedicated to the gods and forces of nature. The ninth mandala is distinguished from the others by its content entirely devoted to Soma, a sacred plant used in Vedic rituals.

A Mandala Dedicated to Soma

Unlike the other mandalas, which cover a variety of themes, the ninth is entirely dedicated to Soma. The hymns describe its preparation, its effect on those who consume it, and how it brings men closer to the gods. This drink was at the heart of the rituals of the civilization of the 7 rivers, who saw it as a means of reaching an expanded state of consciousness.

Soma is described as a plant without leaves, seeds or flowers. Its juice, once extracted and filtered, was offered to the gods during ceremonies. It was associated with spiritual enlightenment, divine energy and inner peace. It was, most likely, a psilocybe cubensis.

The Importance of the Ninth Mandala in the Compilation of the Rig Veda

The compilation of the Rig Veda took several centuries. The ninth mandala was integrated before the end of the civilization of the seven rivers. At that time, Soma was still abundant and occupied a central place in rituals.

However, a major turning point occurred around 2200 BCE. A major drought hit the region, and an earthquake caused the Drishadvati, one of the Sarasvati’s main tributaries, to dry up. The drought made the plant much rarer. At the very end of this period, the tenth mandala was added, marking a transition to a time when Soma was no longer as accessible.

A Peaceful Civilization Despite War Hymns

The Seven Rivers civilization is often described as peaceful, despite the presence of war hymns in the Rig Veda. These hymns relate battles that took place long before the urban era, sometimes dating back centuries or even millennia.

The importance of Soma in the culture of this civilization could partly explain this pacifism. Considered a sacred gift, it was perceived as a direct link with the divine. Its use in rituals reinforced social harmony and collective spirituality.

Conclusion

The ninth mandala of the Rig Veda is a testimony to the importance of Soma in the civilization of the seven rivers. It reflects a time when this drink played a central role in religious and social life. But with the drought of 2200 BCE and the scarcity of Soma, a change took place, opening the way to new spiritual perspectives.